Apply for the 2026 Speaker Committee

Speaker Committee Charter

This Committee exists to strengthen and grow the CMMC Compliance Community. The goal is not just to plan CS5 conferences as standalone events, but to build them as part of a larger ecosystem of collaboration and knowledge-sharing. The agenda and speaker selections are developed with the community and for the community, ensuring that the conference reflects the shared expertise, challenges, and progress of the broader compliance landscape.

1. Committee Composition

  • The Committee shall consist of five (5) industry experts drawn from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
  • Membership requirements:
  • Each member must represent a unique organization.
  • Members shall serve a one-year term, which covers two conferences.
  • Following their term, members must rotate off for at least one year before becoming eligible again.
  • Leadership:
  • The Committee Chair shall select their successor from amongst the then current committee members.

2. Recognition

  • Website: The names of the Chair and all members shall be published on the conference website during their term.
  • Conference: The service of the Chair and all members shall be acknowledged at CS5 conferences during their term.

3. Chair Responsibilities

The Chair is responsible for:

  • Assembling and confirming the committee membership.
  • Overseeing the committee’s work to ensure timely and fair execution of responsibilities.
  • Acting as the primary point of contact for the conference organizers.

4. Committee Responsibilities

The Committee, under the guidance of the Chair, shall:

  • Establish dates and deadlines for speaker presentations.
  • Address the resolution of any conflicts.
  • Select speakers for sessions, with preference for pairs or panels where appropriate.

5. Selection Criteria

Authority:
The Committee shall make recommendations to the conference organizers regarding speaker selections.

  • Final decisions rest solely with the conference organizers.
  • Organizational representation:
    • Effective 2026: If an organization has a speaker selected for a general session, that organization may not have a second speaker in any session.
    • If an organization has a speaker or panelist selected for a track session, that organization may have only one other speaker selected for another track session.
    • Roundtable Facilitators are not currently subject to limitations on organizational representation.
  • Basis of selection:
    • Speakers shall be chosen solely based on the Committee’s assessment of the applicant’s knowledge and presentation skills.
  • The Committee may consider:
    • Materials submitted as part of the application.
    • Evidence from past presentations.
    • Knowledge gained outside of the current application process.
  • Sponsorship of the conference or any monetary consideration shall not influence the selection of speakers.

6. Conflict of Interest

  • Committee members shall recuse themselves from deliberations or votes on applicants from:
  • Their own application.
  • Their own organization.
  • Any potential conflicts must be disclosed to the Chair and the conference organizers.

7. Term Limits and Vacancies

  • If a committee member cannot complete their one-year term:
  • The Chair may recommend a replacement, subject to approval by the conference organizers.

8. Confidentiality

  • Deliberations, applicant evaluations, and internal committee discussions shall be treated as confidential.
  • Only final decisions and public acknowledgements may be shared externally.

9. Code of Conduct

  • Committee members shall maintain professionalism and impartiality in all interactions.
  • Harassment, bias, or inappropriate conduct is grounds for removal from the Committee at the discretion of the conference organizers.

Forum Makers Code of Conduct

Forum Makers (“Forum Makers” or the “Company”) is committed to ensuring a safe, welcoming, and respectful environment at our events.

At Forum Makers events, all attendees, faculty, staff, and participants are expected to treat others with respect and civility.

This Code of Conduct applies to all Forum Makers-sponsored events, affiliated events, and any related gatherings (“Events”). It applies to everyone involved, including employees and staff, sponsors, attendees, guests, speakers, volunteers, exhibitors, vendors, and venue staff. By registering for and/or attending an Event, you agree to comply with this Code of Conduct. This Code of Conduct is subject to change without notice.

Unacceptable Conduct

“Unacceptable Conduct” includes, without limitation:

  • Behavior that is illegal.
  • Possession of weapons or illegal substances.
  • Violence, threats of violence, unwanted touching, or physical intimidation.
  • Disruptive behavior.
  • Verbal or written harassment on any basis, including sexual harassment.
  • Displaying inappropriate visual information.
  • Violation of the rules of the Event or venue.
  • Failure to follow safety instructions of Event or Forum Makers staff.
  • Any behavior that Forum Makers believes lacks respect or civility.

Speakers & Panelists

Speakers and panelists hold a unique responsibility for shaping the tone and quality of our events. Accordingly:

  • Educational focus: Presentations must be educational in nature and not promotional. Sharing relevant anecdotes is encouraged, but promotion of products or services during sessions is not permitted. Violations may affect eligibility for future speaking opportunities.
  • Collaboration: Panelists and co-presenters are expected to coordinate in advance, select a moderator, and prepare a cohesive session that reflects diverse perspectives.
  • Respectful discourse: Debate and differing opinions are welcome, but must be delivered with professionalism and civility.
  • Accuracy & integrity: Presenters are expected to represent their content truthfully, cite sources where appropriate, and avoid misleading statements.
  • Accessibility: Speakers should make reasonable efforts to ensure presentations are accessible to all attendees (e.g., avoid color-only meaning, describe visuals when relevant).

Complaints

If you notice a dangerous situation, threats of violence, or if someone is in distress, contact local law enforcement, Event officials, or emergency services immediately. To report Unacceptable Conduct, contact a Forum Makers staff member as soon as possible. Reports will be kept as confidential as possible. Anonymous reports may limit our ability to investigate or follow-up. Identifying witnesses or details will be helpful.

Consequences of Unacceptable Conduct

Unacceptable Conduct will not be tolerated. Anyone asked to stop such conduct is expected to comply immediately. Violations may result in:

  • Removal from the Event without refund or warning.
  • Banning from future events at the venue.
  • Banning from future Forum Makers events.
  • Referral to local law enforcement.

Version History

  • 2025.08 — Update to add Speakers & Panelists section.
  • 2024.05a — Initial public version (2024-MAY-27).
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